Universal container for beverages

ABSTRACT

A container for beverages has a hollow container body, an electronic display provided on said hollow container body and displaying information which is visible from outside, and a user-operated control for controlling the information displayed on said electronic display by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers for beverages.

More particular, it relates to containers for beverages which are provided with some elements and devices as disclosed in our patent application Ser. Nos. 11/588,494, 11/821,334, 11/821,335, and 11/821,349.

Containers for beverages of this type are known in the art. It is believed that such containers for beverages can be further improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container for beverages which is a further improvement of the existing containers of this type.

In keeping with these objects and with others which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention, briefly stated, in a container for beverages, comprising a hollow container body; an electronic display provided on said hollow container body and displaying information which is visible from outside; and means for controlling the information displayed on said electronic display by a user and provided on said hollow container body.

Another feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in that means for controlling is formed as an alpha-numerical display.

A further feature of the present invention resides in a battery for providing a battery-operated operation of said electronic display.

Still further features of the present invention resides, in a microprocessor for operating said electronic display, in an input means connectable to an outside devices, in the input means for connecting said electronic displays to outside devices configured as a USB cable input connectable to a computer to change digital content.

Still a further feature of the present invention can resides in means operatable by a user for inputting a user's opinion about a content displayed on said electronic display, in that the user-operated control means can switch viewing between several options, the control means can be configured to switch the viewing modes between the images of menu, photo, video, and the electronic display is an LED display screen.

The at least one device selected from the group consisting of an electrical device and an electronic device can be integrated in said hollow body part without interfering with the content of the container.

The electrical or electronic device can be a power source, it can be a device operating on electrical or electronic principle, or it can include both a power source and a device operating on electrical or electronic principle.

The electrical or electronic device can be located in one of the walls of the hollow body of the container, for example in a peripheral wall or in a bottom wall.

The hollow body can be provided with a recess or a receptacle, and the electrical or electronic device can be arranged in the recess. The recess can be formed in one of the walls of the hollow body, for example in the peripheral wall or in the bottom wall. On the other hand, the electrical device can be located in an area surrounding a portion of the hollow body, for example surrounding a neck of the container, etc.

The electrical device can be operative for producing visual messages, audio messages, light, and combinations thereof.

The device can have light generating means and also sensing means selected from the group consisting of a contact sensor, a movement sensor, and both and operative for activating said light generating means for producing light in response to an action selected from the group consisting of a contact, a movement, and both in a vicinity of said device. The light generating means and the sensing means can be configured so that depending on whether there is contact or a movement in the vicinity of the container, said light generating means emits different lights.

The device can have image generating means for generating a text information in form of a running strip, video images, etc.

The beverage in the device can include a radiation-sensitive additive which has an original color and under the action of radiation, changes its original color to a different color, and the device can be associated with the container and configured to generate a radiation which acts on said radiation-sensitive additive and changes the original color of the additive and thereby of the beverage to a different color.

The additive can be an additive which has luminescent properties, and said device is configured as a device which generates a radiation that causes luminescence of the additive.

The element can be associated with said container and carrying an image which is originally invisible, and under the action of radiation by said device becomes visible.

The device can be integrated in each of said beverage containers without interfering with a content of the container and providing a function, and means can be provided for remotely acting on the device of at least some of the beverage containers with the use of internet so that said device produce corresponding actions.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the present invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with still a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a container for alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a container for beverages, provided with an electrical/electronic devices of a further embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the electrical/electronic device of the inventive beverage container;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-section of the electrical/electronic device of the inventive beverage container;

FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-section of the electrical/electronic device of the inventive beverage container;

FIG. 13 is a view schematically showing a container in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a view schematically showing containers in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a view further showing a beverage container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a container for beverages in accordance with the present invention. The container has a hollow container body which is identified with reference numeral 1. The container for beverages further has a device for showing and changing images identified as a whole with reference numeral 2.

The device includes an electronic display which can be formed as a conventional computer-type screen and identified with reference numeral 3. The device further has user-operated control means formed for example as an alpha numerical keyboard 4 with a plurality of alpha numerical signals. The device also includes an on/off button 5 and control buttons 6 including up, a left, right, and down buttons.

In order operate the device 2 on the container, a user turns the on/off button to the position on and operates the keys of the keyboard 4. As a result, a curser (arrow) appears on the display 3. With the use of the buttons 6, the user can move the curser to the desired location on the display or the desired image on the display.

The device has also a battery 7, a microprocessor 8, and a memory 9 which can be built in the device 2, for example in an area behind the alpha numerical keyboard. The images to be displayed are stored in the memory and retrieved from it to be shown on the display.

The container for beverages shown in FIG. 2 has the hollow container body 1 with a device for displaying and controlling images identified with reference numeral 12. The device 12 has an electronic display 11, on which digital photos and/or videos can be displayed. An on/off switch button is identified with reference numeral 14. The control button provides switching of modes between the following modes: MANUAL, PHOTO, VIDEO. The device is further provided with a connection to a computer to change a digital content to be displayed on the display and formed for example as a USB cable input 15. Finally a control button 16 is provided for the purpose which will be explained herein below.

In order to operate the device of the container for the beverages shown in FIG. 2, a user turns on the on/off switch 14, and with the control button 16 changes the corresponding mode between the modes menu, photo, video, which can be supplied through the USB cable input 15 from a computer. With the button 17, users can vote on each photo/video, or in other words to rate them yes/no to indicate whether they like or they do not like the photo/video. The device also includes a memory 13, a microprocessor 18, and a battery 19.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a container for beverages has the hollow container body 1 and a device 21 for displaying an alpha numerical content. The device can have a display 22 formed as an LED display screen, and on/off button 23, a battery 24, an enter button 25 to save user input when changing letters or numbers or symbols, a user's control including up 26 and down 27 buttons, and a not shown processor.

In operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the user turns the on/off button to on position, and with the control buttons 26, 27 scrolls up or down so as to change the alpha numerical content which is shown on the display 22.

A container in accordance with the present invention shown in FIGS. 4-8 has a hollow body which is identified with reference numeral 31 and defines an inner space for accommodating an alcoholic beverage or a non alcoholic beverage. In accordance with the present invention a device selected from the group consisting of an electrical device and an electronic device identified with reference numeral 32 is integrated in the container of the invention.

The electrical device or electronic device in the container in accordance with the present invention can provide visual messages which can be prerecorded messages or life messages. For example, the device can be a TV display, a PDA display, a PC display, a clock, a decorative display, a running line display, an advertising display, etc. Once activated it produces corresponding visual messages.

The device in accordance with the present invention can be formed so that it produces prerecorded or live audio messages. The device for generating audio messages can be a device for broadcasting radio messages, satellite radio messages, I-pod messages, etc.

The device in accordance with the present invention can be also configured as a device which produces prerecorded or life decorative messages, for example running light, blinking lights, etc.

It is to be understood that it is within the spirit of the invention to provide such a device which combines the visual messages, the audio messages, the light messages, etc., and even other messages not specifically mentioned.

The electrical or electronic device in accordance with the present invention can be provided with wireless connections. The light messages can be produced for example by providing luminescent paints on the container with a light emitting device which excites the luminescent paint and makes it glow.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the electrical or electronic device can be formed as a power source 32. The power source can be formed for example by solar cells, batteries, rechargeable batteries, or combinations thereof.

In accordance with the present invention the electrical or electronic device can be formed as the power source 32 configured for supplying power to an exterior device for any purpose, which is not associated with the container, for example to charge a cell phone located outside of the container, to power a light source located outside of the container, etc.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the device can include an electrical or an electronic device 34 and also a power source 35 provided for supplying power to it for example a TV display powered by solar cells, etc, both integrated in the container as shown in FIG. 5.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, the container 31 can be provided with a recess 36 which is formed in a peripheral wall 36 of the container. The electrical or electronic device 32 of the present invention is accommodated in the recess.

In accordance with a further embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the container 31 is provided with an elongated channel 37 formed in the peripheral wall 36. The electrical or electronic device 32 of the present invention is accommodated in the channel.

In accordance with a still further embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the container 31 is provided with an annular neck-shaped narrowing groove 38 located between the neck and the bottom of the container 31. The electrical or electronic device 32 is accommodated in the annular groove. The electrical or electronic device 32 can be formed as a ring-shaped device which surrounds the neck-shaped portion of the container and can have an outer diameter correspondingly to the outer diameter of the container.

In a still further embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7, a recess 39 is provided in the bottom of the container. The electrical or electronic device 32 is accommodated in the bottom-located recess 39.

In accordance with a still further feature of the present invention, the electrical or electronic device 32 is located outside the body of the container, such as for example in the area 40 around the neck of the container 31 as shown in FIG. 8. The device 32 can be formed ring shaped.

Means for covering the electrical or electronic device of the present invention are further provided. They are used so as not to dispute an outside appearance of the container. The means for covering can be formed as a plastic cover 41. The plastic cover can be formed for example as a sleeve which is fittable over the body of the container in such a way as to cover the electrical or electronic device integrated in the container. The covering means can be also formed as a plastic enclosure which is connected with the body of the container, for example by adhesive and the like.

Generally, the electronic or electrical device 32 is integrated in the container so that it does not interfere with the content of the container and substantially does not extend outwardly beyond its shape.

When the container is designed in accordance with the present invention, then in addition to its primary function to accommodate an alcoholic beverage or a non alcoholic beverage, it obtains completely new functionality, namely by acting as a system including a container for a beverage and an electronic or electrical device which provides corresponding additional functions, in addition to dispensing of an alcoholic beverage or a non alcoholic beverage.

The electrical or electronic device integrated in the container in accordance with the present invention can operate in the container, it can be removed from the container and operate separately, it can operate in wireless or in wired fashion, it can cooperate with an exterior device, etc.

The cover which covers the electrical or electronic device in or on the container can be formed as a transparent cover or a non-transparent cover. The hollow body can be also composed of a transparent material or a non-transparent material.

FIG. 4 shows that the device 32 can be configured as a ring-shaped device composed of a plurality (at least two) segments. The cover 41 can be configured as a shell which embraces the device and is composed of shell portions, which can be connected with one another by inter-engaging projections and grooves, for example with snap action. This construction can be used with the embodiments shown in other figures.

A beverage container in accordance with the present invention for alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages shown in FIGS. 9-12 has a hollow body which is identified with reference numeral 43 and defines an inner space for accommodating an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.

The beverage container further has a device which can be an electrical device and identified as a whole with reference numeral 42. The device 42 is associated with the hollow body part, or more particularly it is arranged on it, for example on a narrowed part of the hollow body part. It can be formed as an annular device having an inner hollow space, as disclosed for example in our patent application Ser. No. 11/558,494.

The device 42 has indicating means 44 formed for example by a light generating means. The light generating means can include several light emitting diodes, each of which can emit light of a corresponding different color. The light emitting diodes can be mounted for example on an inner cylindrical wall of the device and face the interior of the hollow container body.

The device further has sensing means. The sensing means include a contact sensor which is identified with reference numeral 45. The contact sensor 45 operates in response to a contact, for example a touch of the sensor 45 by a user.

The sensing means further have a motion sensor which is identified with reference numeral 46. The motion sensor is configured so that it operates in response to a motion of a person or an object in the vicinity of the beverage container.

As can be seen from the drawings, the contact sensor 45 can be mounted on an outer circumferential wall of the device 42 at one circumferential location, while the motion sensor 46 can be also mounted in the outer circumferential wall at another location which is circumferentially spaced from the contact sensor.

The device further has an electric power source for powering the elements of the inventive device. The power source can include for example batteries identified with reference numeral 47. The power source alternatingly, or additionally can include solar panels arranged for example on the outer circumference of the cylindrical wall of the device.

Image producing means are further provided for displaying a text information in form of a running strip for displaying video images such as movies, etc. These means can be formed for example by a liquid crystal indicator as identified with reference numeral 48 as arranged on the outer surface of the cylindrical wall of the device.

The device is provided with a control unit formed for example as a microprocessor 49. It is connected with all elements device, for example by corresponding wires.

The device further has a flash memory storage device for example a flash memory stick 50 for loading text and image data to be displayed by the image generating means 48.

The device of the inventive beverage container shown in FIGS. 9-12 operates in the following manner.

When for example the contact sensor 45 is activated by touching it by a person or the motion sensor 46 is activated in response to the presence of a person in the vicinity of it, the indicating means generates a corresponding visual indication. For example, in response to touching of the contact sensor 45 the light emitting diodes can be activated so that red and orange colors are alternatingly emitted in a continuous succession one after the other. When the motion sensor 46 is activated, red and blue colors can be emitted in a continuous succession one after the other. It is understand that for this purpose the light emitting diodes include red, orange and blue diodes which are controlled correspondingly by the microcontroller 49 in response to the sensing of the corresponding situation by the contact sensor 45 and the motion sensor 46.

When the microcontroller 49 receives signals from the sensor 45 and 46 it also activates image generating means 48 for displaying a text information, video images, etc., and this means display corresponding text information, for example in form of a running strip. The text information can include news, advertising, and any other information. This information can be either transmitted remotely from a source, or memorized in the device and activated in response to the operation of the microcontroller 49.

A beverage container shown in FIG. 13 in accordance with the present invention has a container element which is identified with reference numeral 51.

The container element 51 accommodates a beverage which is identified with reference numeral 52. The beverage 52 can be an alcoholic beverage or a non-alcoholic beverage.

In accordance with the present invention, the beverage 52 which is accommodated in the container element 51 has an additive or additives identified schematically with reference numeral 53. It is to be understood that the illustration or the additives is of purely relative nature, since the additives can be dissolved in the beverage so that they are not seen, for example dissolved on a molecular level.

The additives 53 are of such nature that they are sensitive to radiation, so that when they are subjected to a radiation the color of the additive changes and thereby the color of the beverage 52 changes from its original color to a different color.

For example, the additives are such that originally they can be colorless, and when subjected to radiation assumes a certain color. Or the additive 53 can be such that the additive can have a certain original color, but when subjected to radiation it assumes a color which is different from the original color. The additive 53 can be a luminescent additive which under the action of radiation produces luminescence.

The additives can be sensitive for example to UV radiation or blue light radiation, so that under the action of the UV radiation or blue light radiation they change their color.

The beverage container further has a device which generates a radiation that acts on the additive 53 so that the color of the additive 53 and thereby of the beverage 52 changes from an original color to a different color. The device 54 can be formed as a necker which for example, is attached to a neck of the container 51. When the device 54 operates it acts on the additive 53 which radiation and causes change of the original color of the additive and thereby of the beverage to a different color.

The device 54 has a power source for example a battery, and is provided with an activation button or a similar activation member which is identified with reference numeral 55. It is also provided with an emitting member 56 formed, for example as a light emitting diode.

When the button 55 is activated, the light emitting diode 56 emits the light for example blu or UV light.

It is to be understood that when in this application it is stated that the color of the additive 53 and thereby of the beverage 52 in which it is accommodated changes from its original color to a different color, in actuality the color of the additive 53 dissolved in the beverage 52 changes and therefore it looks like the color of the beverage 52 itself changes, or the additive 53 emits a light which changes the color of the beverage from the original color to the different color.

In the beverage container an element 57 can be provided, which carries an image 58. The image 58 is originally invisible for example printed with the use of a luminescent ink, but under the action of the above-mentioned radiation become visible. The element 57 can be formed as a tag, and the image 58 can be a text, a photo or the like. The element 57 can be attached to the necker, or place on any other location of the container, for example glued to it.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the type described above.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, be applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 

1. A container for beverages, comprising a hollow container body; an electronic or electrical device provided on said hollow container body; and user-operated means for controlling the device by a user.
 2. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1, wherein said device is an electronic display displaying information, and wherein said means for controlling include an alpha-numerical keyboard.
 3. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1; and further comprising a battery for providing a battery operated power operation of said electronic display.
 4. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1; and further comprising a microprocessor for operating said electronic display.
 5. A container for beverages as defined in claim 2; and further comprising input means connectable to an outside devices.
 6. A container for beverages as defined in claim 5, wherein said input means for connecting said electronic display to outside devices is configured as a USB cable input connectable to a computer to change digital content.
 7. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1; and further comprising means operatable by a user for inputting a user's opinion about a content displayed on said electronic display,.
 8. A container as defined in claim 2; and further comprising a user-operated control means for switching viewing between several options.
 9. A container for beverages as defined in claim 8, wherein said control means for switching is configured to switch viewing modes between the modes: menu, photos, video.
 10. A container for beverages as defined in claim 2, wherein said electronic display is LED display screen.
 11. A container as defined in claim 2; and further comprising a plurality of buttons operating for changing a position and movement of a courser on said electronic display.
 12. A container as defined in claim 2; and further comprising a plurality of buttons allowing to scroll up and down when changing an alpha numerical content of the electronic display.
 13. A container as defined in claim 1, wherein said hollow container body part has at least one cavity, said device being accommodated in said cavity and retained in the latter.
 14. A container as defined in claim 13; and further comprising means for closing said cavity and covering said device from outside.
 15. A container as defined in claim 13, wherein said cavity is provided in one of outside walls, or in an area surrounding said hollow body part, or in an area that surrounds a neck of said hollow body part.
 16. A container as defined in claim 13, wherein said device is configured as a ring-shaped device that surrounds a neck.
 17. A container as defined in claim 13, wherein said device is configured as a device producing messages selected from the group consisting of a visual message, an audio message, a decorative message, and a combination thereof.
 18. A container as defined in claim 1, wherein said device has light generating means and also sensing means selected from the group consisting of a contact sensor, a movement sensor, and both operative for activating said light generating means for producing light in response to an action selected from the group consisting of a contact, a movement, and both in a vicinity of said device.
 19. A container as defined in claim 18, wherein said light. generating means and said sensing means are configured so that depending on whether there is contact or a movement in the vicinity of the container, said light generating means emit different lights.
 20. A container as defined in claim 18; and further comprising control means for controlling operation of said light generating means and said sensing means.
 21. A container as defined in claim 18; and further comprising a power source including solar panel means.
 22. A container as defined in claim 18, wherein said device further has flash memory for loading text and image data.
 23. A container as defined in claim 1, and further comprising a beverage accommodated in said container part, said beverage including a radiation-sensitive additive which has an original color and under the action of radiation, changes its original color to a different color, said device being configured to generate a radiation which acts on said additive and thereby changes the original color of the additive and therefore of the beverage to a different color.
 24. A container as defined in claim 23, wherein said additive is a luminescent producing additive, said device being configured as a device which generates a radiation causing luminescing of said additive.
 25. A container as defined in claim 23, further comprising an element associated with said container and carrying an image which is originally invisible, and under the action of radiation by said device becomes visible. 